Types of Fireplace Inserts

When your masonry fireplace is letting too much heat out of your home, it may be time for a fireplace insert. Fireplace inserts fit right into the firebox and use the principles of air convection and fans or blowers to re-circulate heat back into your home. Inserts are usually easier to clean than your standard masonry fireplaces as well. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between wood, coal or pellet, gas, or electric fireplace inserts.

Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts

These inserts are great for people who want to keep all the charm and ambiance of their wood fireplace, but reduce heat loss. You can install a wood fireplace insert without also installing a stainless steel chimney liner, typically recommended for inserts, but you will have to remove the insert to clean the chimney. With the chimney liner, you won't have to remove the insert during cleaning, but you should still seek the services of a professional sweep to protect your investment.

Coal and Pellet Fireplace Inserts

With the heating capacity of a coal stove, these inserts are capable of becoming the main heat source for your home. Because these inserts are specially designed for coal and pellets, it's not recommended that you substitute a wood burning insert if you're going to use a hot burning fuel.

Gas Fireplace Inserts

For most gas fireplace inserts, you'll still need a functional chimney to allow for exhaust. Ventless gas fireplaces do exist, but you should follow the installation instructions very carefully to ensure that you protect the air supply inside your home.

Electric Fireplace Inserts

The least powerful of the inserts, electric fireplaces put out about as much heat as a space heater. The benefit of most electric fireplaces is that you can plug them in just about anywhere, even in homes without an existing fireplace.